SARS Advocate Attempted Murder: Suspects Finally Arrested

Advocate Coreth Naude. Image: x.com/KayaNews.

Two suspects allegedly involved in the attempted murder of South African Revenue Service (SARS) advocate Coreth Naude made a brief appearance in the Durban Magistrate’s Court on Monday 23 December. Siyanda Emmanuel Mbulwana, 29 and Mcebisi Runeyi, who is a year younger than his accomplice, were arrested in Cape Town on December 17 and are facing charges of conspiracy to commit murder, possession of a semi-automatic rifle and attempted murder.

The court proceedings began with regional court prosecutor Vaneshree Moodley confirming that the state is opposed to granting bail because of the stage at which the case is. She explained that the investigations suggest that the two men were involved in the shooting of Naude, who was ambushed outside the Premier Hotel in Umhlanga on July 18, 2024. Naude, who had been working on a high-profile tax inquiry case for SARS, was shot three times as she arrived at the hotel but managed to drive herself to safety and received medical attention before being rushed to a hospital. The suspects fled in a silver Toyota Corolla.

Moodley also indicated that there are still pending aspects of the investigation, including the verification of the suspects’ places of permanent residence, the status of any outstanding criminal cases and their criminal history. Additional exhibits related to the case are still under examination as investigators work to collate evidence. These investigations ultimately led authorities to the Western Cape, where the suspects were arrested after months of searching.

Magistrate Ashwin Singh, overseeing the case, prohibited the media from recording or photographing the two men during the hearing. The suspects, who were both not represented in court, were informed of the charges they are facing as well as their rights in isiXhosa. The case will be heard again on 30 December 2024 to allow for bail consideration. Mbulwana and Runeyi will remain in custody at the Durban Central police station until the next hearing.

This case has drawn significant attention due to the violent nature of the attack and the involvement of Naude, who had been representing SARS in a high-profile case against controversial businesswoman Shauwn Mkhize. The attempted murder is seen as an act of intimidation against legal professionals involved in such sensitive cases. As the investigation continues, more details are expected to emerge regarding the motive behind the attack and the individuals responsible for orchestrating it.